IS there a folder blade limit in Utah and the US?

[wildmanh]

Some guys at work are saying that any folder over 3" long and carried in the pocket either loose or by pocket clip are considered "Concealed weapons". Is there any Federal Law or Utah State law that says this?

I'm pretty sure it's a load of bull but want proof one way or the other.

My Manager at work has asked that we no longer carry folders over 3" long to work so no one gets in trouble. From what I can tell there is no company rule about folders, the manager is sayings it's a Federal and state thing. Please help!! Links to Concealled carry laws would be really helpfull.

Thanks,

Heber

 

[ANGRYMOB]

it is a lot less specific than the statute in my state, but it doesn't seem to mention specific length.

Utah - Offenses Against Public Health and Safety - 76-10-504.
Carrying concealed dangerous weapon.
(1) Any person... carrying a concealed dangerous weapon... is
guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
- 76-10-501... Definitions... (2)... (c) "Dangerous weapon"
means an item that in the manner of its use or intended
use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
The following factors shall be used in determining whether
an item, object, or thing not commonly known as a
dangerous weapon is a dangerous weapon:
(i) the character of the instrument, object, or thing;
(ii) the character of the wound produced, if any; and
(iii) the manner in which the instrument, object, or thing
was used.


http://www.knife-expert.com

 

[Watchful]

Wow. That's bizarre wording--basically leaves a loophole big enough to fit nearly anything through.

And there is no Federal law about length limitations; the federal requirements are aimed more at buying and selling, and I recall some regs cover what types of federal buildings you may not carry a knife into, etc.

I'd look to the municipal laws at this point, if there are any, in your area.

But other than that, on face value, you're legal with a 3" or 3"+ folder. Now if you're carrying some wild thing....

 

[Planterz]

The only Federal laws regarding knives bans the importation of switchblades and butterfly knives, and bans the interstate trafficking of switchblades. Beyond that, everything appears to be left up to the individual states.

Utah has no blade length limit. Beyond that, it seems that that as long as you can justify having the knife as a tool rather than a weapon, and aren't doing anything illegal with it, you should be fine.

 

[Watchful]

That's my take on it as well.

 

[wildmanh]

Guys, thanks a bunch for the help. Now to find out if there is a Corporate Policy at my job regarding blade size.

It bugs me when people say my blade folder or Pocket knife is illegal when the law says it's okay.

Thanks again,

Heber

 

[mthall47]

I believe in Maryland that a 4" blade is the limit, although I have heard that in some states it may be 3.5". Please keep in mind, that in Maryland anyway,
this DOES not apply to a dual edge blade, which in my state is Illegal to carry as a folder, or as a concealed boot knife.
Each State is different up to a point I think.

 

[Watchful]

Each state is considerably different.

And municipalities vary widely too, even those across a small road from each other.

The above stickies do a great job of capturing the state differences. But for municipalities, a trip to the local library is usually in store, or just ask the local police for their non-binding opinion of how legal theory is put into practice.

 

[FullerH]

There are laws limiting the length of the blade on a folder that you bring into a federal building. 18USC930 says that you may not bring a "dangerous or deadly weapon" into a federal building, but then goes on to define a pocketknife with a blade of less than 2.5" as not being a dangerous or deadly weapon. Therefore, a pocketknife with such a blade would be legal to carry into a federal building while a larger folder would not.